Lauener Foundation for Analytical Philosophy

Wednesday 26 May 2010,Bern, Switzerland

Professor Sir Michael Dummett

Lauener Prize for an Outstanding Oeuvre in Analytical Philosophy

The fourth recipient of the Lauener Prize for an Outstanding Oeuvre in Analytical Philosophy is Sir Michael Dummett, Wykeham Professor of Logic, Emeritus, at Oxford University. The Lauener Prize 2010 is given for Dummett’s body of philosophical work.

Sir Michael Dummett is a classical exponent of 20th century analytical philosophy and one of the most creative and influential European philosophers of modern times. He has done ground-breaking work in Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Logics and Mathematics, in Metaphysics as well as in Epistemology, Metaphilosophy, Philosophy of Religion and Philosophy of Time. His original and pioneering work in the History of Philosophy – including his interpretations of the work of Frege and of Wittgenstein as well as his critical study of the dispute between Intuitionism and Platonism – have shaped important contemporary debates, in particular about the distinction between Realism and Anti-Realism and about the origins of Analytical Philosophy. Moreover he has brought philosophical aspects to bear on social, political and moral issues by publishing works on voting systems as well as on immigration law and civil rights. Also, he has been giving new impetus to discussions of cultural issues such as Roman Catholic doctrine or the history of the Tarot. What is more, he has repeatedly put his ideas into effect in major fields of public life, above all as a vigorous campaigner against racism.